Daily Archive : Tuesday July 8, 2014

News

Wheeling agrees to dispatch Des Plaines policeBy Deborah DonovanThe Wheeling Village Board this week approved a five-year contract to handle emergency dispatching for the Des Plaines Police Department starting Jan. 1. Under the deal authorized Monday night, Des Plaines will pay Wheeling $9.47 million over five years and give the village equipment valued at about $1 million.

Junior sleuths hard at work at McHenry County CollegeBy John StarksCSI campers worked on analyzing fingerprints and hair strands as part of the Introduction to Forensics and Biometics class this week at McHenry County College. More than 100 students in grades one through nine are participating in MCC’s Kids and College summer STEM program and a Summer Academy program.

Geneva doctor charged in 2012 St. Charles sexual assaultBy Harry HitzemanA Geneva doctor who recently had his license suspended for inapprorpriate relationships with patients was arrested at his practice Tuesday on charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault. Mark G. Lewis, 55, formerly of St. Charles and now of Geneva, is accused of raping a woman in November 2012. The woman sued Lewis last year and the case was settled out of court. He faces up to 30 years in...

Buffalo Grove eases traffic restrictions near Lake-Cook RoadBy Steve ZaluskyBuffalo Grove village trustees voted Monday to ease some of those measures taken in recent years to prevent drivers from cutting through smaller streets to avoid congestion on Lake-Cook Road. The vote lifts restrictions that previously prevented eastbound traffic on Armstrong Drive to turn left onto Lexington Drive, and southbound traffic on Lexington to turn right onto Armstrong.

Kane County 4-H pet show features variety of animalsBy Laura StoeckerThirty-three children representing 10 local 4-H clubs brought their reptiles, amphibians, birds, gerbils, rabbits, hamsters and fish to the annual Kane County 4-H Small Pets Show at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles on Tuesday evening.

Officer: Woman ‘unresponsive’ when found with man in W. ChicagoBy Justin KmitchProsecutors say a fun night gradually turned into every woman’s worst nightmare when an intoxicated 62-year-old Jose Ramirez-Alcantar and one of his roommates dragged the intoxicated woman from a popular Aurora nightspot into a truck and then to the rundown West Chicago home they shared with another man.

Quinn makes Rauner’s tax returns a campaign issueAssociated PressGov. Pat Quinn called on Republican challenger Bruce Rauner to release complete income tax returns, saying Tuesday that the documents could reveal potential conflicts of interest or tax loopholes ahead of November. A spokesman for Rauner called the move 'a political stunt."

Shakman pushes for IDOT hiring monitorAssociated PressGov. Pat Quinn’s administration should face federal scrutiny to ensure it complies with bans on political hiring for nonpolitical jobs, an anti-patronage lawyer argued in a Tuesday filing, which also disputes the Democratic governor’s claim the monitor would undercut his authority.

Rockets hit Israeli heartland as offensive beginsAssociated PressIsrael on Tuesday launched its largest offensive in the Gaza Strip in nearly two years, carrying out a blistering aerial assault on scores of targets and killing 25 people in what officials called an open-ended operation aimed at ending weeks of heavy rocket fire. As Gaza militants unleashed salvos on cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel mobilized forces along the border for a possible...

Afghan candidate rejects election resultsAssociated PressAfghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah defiantly told thousands of supporters Tuesday that he will declare victory in the country’s election, claiming massive fraud was responsible for preliminary results that put his rival in the lead. The United States warned both camps against trying to seize power, saying international financial and security support was at stake.

Iraq: ‘Terrorists’ seize ex-chemical weapons siteAssociated PressThe Islamic State extremist group has taken control of a vast former chemical weapons facility northwest of Baghdad, where remnants of 2,500 degraded chemical rockets filled decades ago with the deadly nerve agent sarin are stored along with other chemical warfare agents, Iraq said in a letter circulated Tuesday at the United Nations.

Harper College budget adjusts spending with enrollment dipBy Katlyn SmithHarper College has prepared a 2015 balanced budget that calls for a slight decrease in educational spending after declining enrollment last year. The number of students taking credit courses fell 3.2 percent, following a statewide trend, officials say.

Obama urgently asks $3.7 billion for border crisisAssociated PressPresident Barack Obama appealed to Congress on Tuesday for $3.7 billion in emergency spending to deal with the immigration crisis on the nation’s southern border, where unaccompanied children have been showing up by the thousands in a human drama that’s causing a political storm in Washington and beyond.

For Obama, ‘hope’ becomes fight against cynicismAssociated PressTo hear President Barack Obama describe it, there’s a creeping case of cynicism setting in across the country, leading Americans to suspect that not only is Washington broken, it’s beyond fixing. If that line of thinking continues, it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy with dire long-term ramifications, Obama says. If compromise-minded Americans get so frustrated they just tune...

Former Larkin Center shutting down July 31By Elena FerrarinStaff, students and residents will be leaving the former Larkin Center at the end of the month. Lawrence Hall, which took over some of the center’s operations last fall, had announced in May that it was cost-prohibitive to continue running the Therapeutic Day School and group homes at 1212 Larkin Ave.

Life sentence stands in Nellessen slayingBy Barbara VitelloA Cook County judge on Tuesday denied a defense motion to reconsider the life sentence he imposed on 22-year-old Matthew Nellessen, who murdered his widowed father George Nellessen in the family’s Arlington Heights home three years ago. Matthew Nellessen’s lack of contrition or remorse was one reason Judge Martin Agran cited in declining to reconsider, court transcripts show.

Obama inches into competitive Colorado Senate raceAssociated PressFor the first time, President Barack Obama is inching into one of the highly competitive races that could determine whether Democrats maintain control of the Senate this fall. Obama’s trip to Colorado to raise money for Sen. Mark Udall underscores the political risks for vulnerable Democrats of being linked with the increasingly unpopular president.

Germany thrashes Brazil 7-1, reaches World Cup finalAssociated PressWith Neymar out injured, just about everyone in Brazil knew it would be tough against Germany. Nobody ever expected this. The Germans tore apart Brazil's porous defense time and time again Tuesday, routing the hosts 7-1 in the World Cup semifinals, the largest margin of defeat at this stage in the history of the tournament.

Wauconda car show:Daily Herald reportWauconda will host Motors on Main cruise nights on July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16.

Police enforcement results:Daily Herald reportLake County sheriff's police announced Tuesday the results of a Fourth of July weekend crackdown on impaired driving and boating.

Cleveland tops Dallas in bid to host RNC in 2016Associated PressCleveland won the unanimous backing of a Republican National Committee panel on Tuesday, all but guaranteeing the GOP’s 2016 presidential pick will accept the party’s nomination in perennially hard-fought Ohio. The Republicans’ site selection committee backed Cleveland over donor-rich Dallas, and the full 168-member RNC is expected to ratify the choice next month.

Regional planning group dissolved:Daily Herald reportThe Lake County Regional Planning Commission, formed in 1957, will be dissolved after a directive Tuesday from the Lake County Board.

Acacia Organics opens at Barrington’s Ice House MallDaily Herald reportAcacia Organics, a local business offering spa treatments and organic products since 2009, will hold a grand opening next month at a new location at the Ice House Mall in Barrington. The new location will feature more spa treatment space, a larger retail store and expanded services, according to a news release.

1956 Grand Canyon crash a game-changer in air travelAssociated PressIn the mid-1950s, air travel was a shadow of the highly advanced operation of checks and rules seen today. The skies were largely uncontrolled, and pilots outside major U.S. cities relied on sight to avoid catastrophes. Then, two commercial airplanes crashed over the Grand Canyon in June 1956, killing all 128 people aboard in the deadliest aviation disaster of the time and helping spur an...

Officials: Schaumburg man sold cocaineBy Barbara VitelloA Cook County judge ordered a 32-year-old Schaumburg man held on a bond totalling $70,000 after authorities say he sold cocaine to an undercover Sheriff's Police officer four times in May and June. The defendant, Clarence Bush, has an extensive criminal background that includes convictions for delivery of a controlled substance, possession of cannabis and multiple failures to appear in court.

Motorcyclist killed in Libertyville crashDaily Herald reportAuthorities are investigating a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle Monday night in Libertyville that resulted in the death of a 31-year old Waukegan man.

Beam raising for Centegra’s Huntley hospital SaturdayBy Madhu KrishnamurthyHuntley area residents are invited to help raise the beams for Centegra Health System’s new 128-bed hospital in Huntley Saturday. The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. and include a Family Health Fest and open swim activities.

Kane County Master Gardeners share their ideasBy Rick WestThe Kane County Master Gardeners’ Idea Garden in St. Charles opened to the public Tuesday, and the gardeners spent time with visitors, offering tips on improving home gardens.

Lake Zurich village board approves more engineering work for flood-prone areaBy Bob SusnjaraLake Zurich trustees have agreed to pay for engineering design work as part of an effort to stem flooding on the village’s east side. Vernon Hills-based Manhard Consulting Inc.’s design duties will address a proposal to increase storage capacity of a detention pond that collects stormwater for the Cedar Creek subdivision.

Pedestrian hit by Metra train dies in ElginBy Madhu KrishnamurthyAn Metra train on the Milwaukee District West Line struck and killed a pedestrian Tuesday afternoon near Route 31 in Elgin, a spokesman said. The train had just left the Big Timber Road station and struck the pedestrian at 3:35 p.m. before reaching the State Street station, Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said. “They are still at the scene, but we are able to get trains through at walking...

Tri-Cities police reportsTen people were charged with illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor at 2:07 .m. June 27 in the 2900 block of Husking Peg Lane, Geneva, according to a police report.

Bartlett police announce results of traffic enforement campaignDaily Herald report Bartlett police arrested two motorists on drunken driving charges as part of an enforcement campaign before and after the Fourth of July holiday. Officers also issued 23 warning or traffic citations for speeding; four citations for insurance violations; and 14 citations for seat belt violations, police said in a news release.

Oakton museum hosts new sculpture exhibitDaily Herald reportOakton Community College will host a reception Thursday for the opening of an exhibition featuring the works of sculptor Egon Weiner. The exhibition, “Egon Weiner: Pillar of Human Emotions,” runs through Sept. 19 at Oakton’s Koehnline Museum of Art in Des Plaines. It will feature sculptures from the museum’s collection, as well as recently discovered bronze, metal, and...

Lake County will seek proposals to replace Winchester House nursing homeBy Mick ZawislakThe Lake County board has agreed to see what the market has to offer by seeking proposals to replace the Winchester House nursing home, which opened as a poor farm in 1847. "I don't know what the outcome will be -- I don't think any of us do," said board member Bonnie Thomson Carter of Ingleside. "But this is a big step forward."

Waukegan man accused of three bank robberiesBy Safiya MerchantWaukegan police have arrested a 53-year-old man suspected of robbing three local banks. Eric D. Fulton, of the 600 block of Pine Street in Waukegan, was apprehended Monday. Authorities believe he robbed NorStates Bank branches on June 21, June 27 and July 5.

Prison for Antioch man convicted of 4th DUIBy Barbara VitelloAn Antioch man pleaded guilty to his 4th DUI Tuesday in Rolling Meadows. In exchange for Ruben Juarez's guilty plea, a Cook County judge sentenced him to 18 months in prison with credit for 221 days in custody.

Fox Valley police reportsBrandon L. Roby, 18, of Elgin, was charged Monday with failure to register as a violent offender against youth, according to court records. He is accused of knowingly failing to register prior to Dec. 28, 2013, for his yearly registration, and he also failed to register within five days of being released from Kane County jail June 23, 2014. His bail was set at $35,000 in Kane County bond court,...

Glendale Heights Fest ready for spin in spotlightDaily Herald reportCrews were piecing together carnival rides, lugging trash cans and building a stage Tuesday as they transformed Camera Park from peaceful green space into ground zero for the five-day Glendale Heights Fest that opens Wednesday evening and continues through Sunday at 101 E. Fullerton Ave. The village’s annual salute to summer will include fireworks on both Wednesday and Sunday nights, music...

DuPage forest preserve seeking donations for Mayslake projectBy Robert SanchezDespite a $215,000 state grant, the DuPage County Forest Preserve District needs another $310,000 to proceed with planned exterior restoration work at Mayslake Hall in Oak Brook. On Tuesday, officials said the district has received about $75,800 in charitable donations for the project, which would restore the rear courtyard of the historic mansion in Mayslake Forest Preserve. The hope is that...

Retired workers wait after high court winAssociated PressRetired state workers aren’t seeing any immediate advantage from an Illinois Supreme Court ruling that health insurance coverage is a constitutionally protected retirement benefit. Attorney Donald Craven says he case is “clearly not over yet.”

Quinn says state police could help in ChicagoAssociated Pressov. Pat Quinn says he would be prepared to deploy state police to help address Chicago violence if Mayor Rahm Emanuel requests it. Over the years Illinois State Police have assisted authorities in Chicago and East St. Louis fight street violence.

Weekend death toll rises to 15Associated PressChicago’s Fourth of July weekend death toll has climbed to 15 with the death of a man who was shot just before midnight Sunday.

Firefighters rescue three cats, one dog in Villa Park fireDaily Herald reportVilla Park firefighters rescued three cats and a dog from a house Monday night while battling a blaze in the one-car attached garage on the 500 block of East Park Boulevard, authorities said. Fire Chief Ron Rakosnik said crews arrived shortly after 10 p.m. to find the garage fully involved in fire. He said firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze within about 15 minutes.

Panel says Chicago minimum wage should be $13Associated PressA task force formed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel has recommended Chicago raise its minimum wage to $13 an hour. The panel says higher rates should be phased in over four years and will increase earnings for about 410,000 people.

Naper Settlement names new president and CEOBy Marie WilsonA longtime Naperville resident and lawyer with experience leading and growing organizations has been chosen as the new President and CEO of Naper Settlement. Macarena (Rena) Tamayo-Calabrese will fill the Settlement’s top position beginning Monday, July 14. “Her expertise is seeing the big picture, the grand ideas and the strategic direction and them making it happen,” said...

Singer Pat Boone backs suburban RepublicanBy Mike RiopellLegendary singer Pat Boone, famous for hit songs in the 1950s and 1960s, praised Republican Larry Kaifesh of Carpentersville for Congress Tuesday on behalf of a national organization for seniors. “I’m still singing at concerts, but today I’m singing the praises of Larry Kaifesh,” Boone said.

U.S. Senate honors Alan DixonAssociated PressThe U.S. Senate has approved a resolution honoring former Sen. Alan Dixon, who died Sunday at age 86 at his home in Fairview Heights.

Barrington wine, beer fests this weekendDaily Herald reportThe Fourth of July is gone, so it must be time for Uncork Barrington and Barrington Brew Fest, two adults-only parties that take place on consecutive nights in the Brat tent at the commuter station

Wheeling creates TIF districts over four government bodies' objectionsBy Deborah DonovanThe Wheeling village board moved ahead Monday toward two big redevelopments - a village Town Center and an industrial area near Chicago Executive Airport - by creating two new tax increment financing districts – over the objections of four government bodies that asked for a delay.

Zion man pleads guilty to killing girlfriend's babyBy Lee FilasA Zion man pleaded guilty in court Tuesday to one count of first-degree murder for killing his girlfriend's baby. Demetries Thorpe, 27, will be sentenced up to 35 years in prison for the murder of Joshua Summeries. Thorpe placed the baby in a dumpster after Aug. 21 murder, authorities said. The body was never recovered.

Forgotten vials of smallpox found in storage roomAssociated PressA government scientist cleaning out an old storage room at a research center near Washington made a startling discovery last week — decades-old vials of smallpox packed away and forgotten in a cardboard box. The six glass vials were intact and sealed, and scientists have yet to establish whether the virus is dead or alive, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.

Lake Zurich selects John Shaw to fill open village trustee seatBy Bob SusnjaraLake Zurich Mayor Thomas Poynton has gained village board approval for his pick to fill an unexpired trustee term. John Shaw will occupy the trustee seat vacated by Mark Loewes until April 30, 2015. Shaw, a 28-year village resident, has served on Lake Zurich’s advisory zoning board of appeals and the Ela Area Public Library District board.

Des Plaines residents oppose Black Ram restaurant patio requestBy Christopher PlacekResidents near the Black Ram restaurant in Des Plaines are upset with noise coming from the business late at night, and say the business’ plans for an outdoor patio would make matters worse. But the restaurant’s attorney says his client has taken steps to resolve noise issues, while promising that the new patio won’t have DJs or live music as they do inside — just...

Three DuPage-area park districts receive state construction grantsBy Marie WilsonThree area park districts — Naperville, West Chicago and Fox Valley — will receive a total of $7 million in state grant money for construction projects, officials said. Naperville Park District will receive $2.5 million of that total for a new activity center — the maximum amount possible through the state’s Park and Recreation Construction grants program. The West...

Plea deal near in Lisle playground fire caseBy Justin KmitchA plea deal has been reached for a Lisle man charged with starting an August 2013 fire that destroyed playground equipment at Kingston Park in an unincorporated area near Lisle. The proposed deal, however, will not be finalized unless Michael Bucher, 23, pays more than $7,000 in restitution by July 30, authorities said.

Petting zoo: Yelp review by St. Charles woman was libelous, untrueBy Harry HitzemanThe owner of a DeKalb-based farm that provides animals for petting zoos and pony rides argues a comment last year on Yelp crossed the line. Friendly Farms has filed a libel lawsuit against Erika Gannon Hughes, of St. Charles. Friendly Farms says the woman claimed in a post that the animals were severely abused, underfed and that the farm ownership was "cruel, heartless and shady."

Veteran sues after burial with gay partner is deniedAssociated PressA U.S. Navy veteran filed a civil rights lawsuit Monday after the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery refused to allow her to be buried with the ashes of her late wife. Seventy-four-year-old Madelynn Taylor filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Boise after she tried to make advance arrangements last year to have her ashes interred with Jean Mixner, whom she met on a blind date in 1995 and married...

Grandwood Park Park District’s Summerfest going retro this weekendBy Lee FilasThe Grandwood Park District Summerfest is going retro in 2014, organizers said. The event will return to Lake Park, and they’ll reintroduce family games, pub-sized tables near the food and drink area and bring it back to a neighborhood event where it had been in the past.

Arlington Heights OKs redevelopment despite oppositionBy Melissa SilverbergThe Arlington Heights village board approved a new TIF district for the Hickory-Kensington area in spite of concerns from residents that businesses would be forced to move to make way for redevelopment. The village didn't disagree. “We don't want to misconstrue this and say that these businesses can all stay here," the village's Bill Enright said.

Harper debuting programs at Prospect Heights branchDaily Herald report Harper College will host a pair of informational sessions this month at its newly renovated Prospect Heights facility. The Learning and Career Center will debut new programs addressing unemployment in the Prospect Heights-Wheeling area.

Lake County stormwater presentation:Daily Herald reportThe League of Women Voters-Illinois, the League of Women Voters-Lake County, and Faith in Place are co-sponsoring two presentations of “Stormwater From the Ground Up” on July 9 and July 31.

Batavia council: Keep Randall Road 75% shopping, diningBy Susan SarkauskasRandall Road is for sales tax-producing retail, the Batavia City Council decided Monday, as it voted to limit how much space in shopping centers could be used for medical offices, health clubs and the like -- just 25 percent. “That’s our tax-producing engine out there,” Mayor Jeff Schielke said.

Riders stranded for hours on California roller coasterAssociated PressA roller coaster hit a tree branch at the Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park, dislodging the front car, leaving four people slightly injured and keeping nearly two dozen summer fun-seekers hanging 20 to 30 feet in the air for hours as day turned to night. Two of the four people hurt Monday on the Ninja coaster were taken to the hospital as a precaution, but all the injuries were minor, fire...

Pistorius trial: Defense ends its caseAssociated PressThe murder trial of Oscar Pistorius moved closer to a verdict on Tuesday when the defense ended its case. In early August the judge will hear final arguments that will highlight opposing portraits of the Paralympic athlete — a gun-obsessed egotist who shot girlfriend Reeva Steekamp in a rage or a vulnerable figure with a disability who pulled the trigger in a tragic case of mistaken...

NYPD: Mother of abandoned baby says she’s homelessAssociated PressA woman accused of abandoning her baby at a Manhattan subway station told police on Tuesday that she is homeless and felt she could no longer take care of the little girl. Police said she pushed the baby’s stroller onto a platform at the Columbus Circle station on Monday and then got back on a train.

Hoffman Estates approves Moretti’s, Whiskey RiverBy Eric PetersonMoretti’s and Whiskey River restaurants are on track to open in Hoffman Estates this November, bringing the number of eateries at the southeast corner of Higgins and Barrington roads back to five. Village trustees Monday approved site plans for the two restaurants of Schaumburg-based Ala Carte Entertainment to fill the long-vacant buildings that originally housed a Max & Erma’s and...

Legal marijuana goes on sale in WashingtonAssociated PressWashington became the second state Tuesday to allow people to buy marijuana legally in the U.S. without a doctor’s note as customers eager to be the first to buy pot lined up outside stores. People began purchasing marijuana at 8 a.m. at Bellingham’s Top Shelf Cannabis, one of two stores in the city north of Seattle that started selling pot as soon as it was allowed under state...

Man dies at South Dakota hot dog eating contestAssociated PressA Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in western South Dakota turned tragic when a contestant choked to death. Walter Eagle Tail, 47, of Custer, died at a hospital Thursday after attempts to save him at the scene failed.

NYPD: Drone came within 800 feet of chopperAssociated PressPolice have arrested two people for operating a drone over the George Washington Bridge that came within 800 feet of a police helicopter. They say the helicopter pilot spotted the small unmanned aircraft near the bridge at 12:21 a.m. Monday. The drone continued to circle the bridge, forcing the chopper to change course to avoid it.

Police: Men steal $2,000 in soap, hygiene itemsAssociated PressPolice are trying to figure out why a trio of hygiene-minded thieves walked into a CVS pharmacy in Atlanta’s northern suburbs and stole $2,000 in soap and other personal care items.

Illinois housing agency sees record number of buyersAssociated PressSPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Housing Development Authority reports more than 4,500 home-buyers have reserved over $500 million in mortgage financing. Officials say that’s a record in the agency’s 30 years of mortgage lending. The agency says it is a success story that comes as experts recognize the importance of first-time home-buyers in pushing economic development.

Environmental group opposes dam on White RiverAssociated PressANDERSON, Ind. — The Hoosier Environmental Council has added its name to the list of environmental groups opposing a proposed seven-mile long reservoir along the White River in central Indiana, saying it would have harmful and long-lasting consequences.

2 men wounded while on porch of Lafayette homeAssociated PressLAFAYETTE, Ind. — Police in Lafayette say two men were shot while on the porch of a home.The shooting happened Monday night at the house just north of the city’s downtown. City police Lt. Tim Payne says a 20-year-old man was shot in the foot and a 21-year-old man suffered a thigh wound. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Crews searching South Bend river for womanAssociated PressSOUTH BEND, Ind. — Emergency crews have been searching the St. Joseph River in downtown South Bend for a woman who was reportedly swept away.Boats were being used to search the river along a downtown park before dawn Tuesday. Crews were called to the site about 1 a.m.

State highway washed out in western IndianaAssociated PressBRAZIL, Ind. — A state highway in western Indiana has been closed after heavy rains washed out part of the roadway.A thunderstorm hit the area around the Clay County city of Brazil on Monday, with strong winds knocking down trees onto some power lines and houses.

Walker, Burke campaigning around WisconsinAssociated PressMAZOMANIE, Wis. — Both Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Democratic challenger Mary Burke are planning on campaigning across Wisconsin on Tuesday, exactly 17 weeks before the Nov. 4 election. Burke plans to tour a hops farm in Mazomanie and the Potosi Brewing Co. before heading west to the Food Enterprise Center in Viroqua.

Police say they’re keeping eye on anarchist groupAssociated PressWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A West Lafayette police detective says he’s watching an anarchist social networking group calling itself the “765 movement” started after a Pine Village man was arrested.

Surveys to gauge economic impact of Illinois fairsAssociated PressMENDON, Ill. — The spending habits of hundreds of fairgoers in 15 Illinois counties are being sought this summer in an effort to gauge the economic impact of agricultural fairs.The Quincy Herald-Whig reports 4-H Club members plan to survey people who attend the Adams County Fair later this month.

South Shore upgrading wire systemAssociated PressCHESTERTON, Ind. — The South Shore commuter rail line in northern Indiana will bus people between Michigan City and South Bend starting Monday until July 18 so crews can work on the overhead wires that power the trains.

Future of shuttered Dwight prison still uncertainAssociated PressDWIGHT — One year after it closed, the future of the former Dwight Correctional Center remains uncertain.The facility was shuttered in 2013 as a cost-cutting measure. The (Kankakee) Daily Journal reports Illinois’ Central Management Services was to take over control of the facility last week.

Wheaton brewing up some summer funBy Kristina NemetzAle is one of the oldest beverages, spanning thousands of years and cultures all over the globe, each using unique methods to brew this fermented and beloved concoction. This August, Wheaton celebrates the rich heritage of beer with the fourth annual Brew Fest in downtown's Memorial Park. The event, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 2, will feature more than 100 local and national brews, live...

4 Lindenhurst homes targeted for razing to curb floodingBy Mick ZawislakThe Lake County Stormwater Management Agency plans to purchase four homes and three vacant lots in Lindenhurst as part of a voluntary buyout program to alleviate flooding. The village would pay 25 percent of the $917,227 cost for acquisition, demolition and related costs. “Those folks (homeowners) have all signed letters of interest and are on board,” Village Administrator Matt...

Sherman Hospital’s 126th anniversary honored with markerBy John StarksAdvocate Sherman Hospital dedicated a historical marker at its Center Street campus in celebration of the hospital's 126th anniversary. The hospital opened its doors on July 7, 1888, in a two-story house donated by local drug store owner and prominent businessman Henry Sherman.

Hunter wants to sell big-game slingshot, sues DNRAssociated PressJohn "Chief A.J." Huffer sells a device he calls a sling bow. And he’d like to see it in the hands of hunters on the trail of deer and other big animals. But while the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the sling bow is OK for smaller animals, it isn’t approved for deer.

DuPage County man’s sexual assault trial beginsBy Justin KmitchA DuPage County man, who authorities said was caught in the act of sexually assaulting a woman while police responded to a 911 call, is set to stand trial Tuesday. Jose Ramirez-Alcantar, 62, of the 30W300 block of Pomeroy Street near West Chicago, is charged with criminal sexual assault with force and faces between four and 15 years in prison.

It’s barbecue fest weekend in the Fox ValleyBy Lauren RohrThe aroma of grilled meats and the sounds of live music will fill the air this weekend at two barbecue festivals in the Fox Valley -- Lake in the Hills Rockin' Ribfest and the Firin' Up the Fox BBQ Competition and Festival in St. Charles.

Tight Illinois budget still contains pet projectsAssociated PressThe new state budget signed by Gov. Pat Quinn last week left lawmakers from both parties unhappy — but it didn’t leave them empty-handed. Among expenses in the $35.7 billion spending plan, tucked into a document thousands of pages long, are millions of dollars for pet projects statewide. They range from a new school in House Speaker Michael Madigan’s Chicago district to money...

Sports

No time to panic, but Bears must run the ballBy Mike NorthBears head coach Marc Trestman needs to shore up the offensive strategy to protect the defensive flaws if they expect to finish with a winning season. It's time to hand the ball to Matt Forte, says Mike North.

Exploring Carmelo Anthony's waiting gameBy Mike McGrawThe only real question concerning NBA free agency and the Bulls is, "What is taking Carmelo Anthony so long to make a decision." There's not an obvious answer. If there was, we wouldn't have to ask. So let's examine some potential reasons for the long wait.

Is Cubs' plan really that hard to understand?By Barry RoznerTheo Epstein is getting a firsthand look at the folly that hundreds of Cubs players, managers and GMs have experienced, the distinct displeasure of fans and media experts, quick with a rebuke but silent when surveyed for an alternative plan. What's staggering is the inability of many to understand something so simple, or the absolute refusal to even try to grasp the obvious, while conveniently forgetting the spending calamities of the past.

Cubs swept by Reds in doubleheader Assoicated PressWhen it comes to playing two, the Cubs can't even win one. The Cubs got swept in a doubleheader for the third time this season, losing to the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 and 6-5 on Tuesday. They blew a five-run lead in the nightcap, with their bullpen allowing the Reds to pull off their biggest comeback of the season. "This one's tough on us all," said Anthony Rizzo, whose homer helped build the early lead. "It's not easy to swallow."

For White Sox’ Eaton, it’s all-out effortBy Scot GregorAs he showed again in Tuesday night's 8-3 win at Boston, new White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton has gained instant popularity on the South Side with his all-out style of play.

Howland leaves St. Viator for college opportunityBy Dick QuaglianoMike Howland is leaving home. The St. Viator boys basketball coach, who led his team to 69 wins in the past three seasons, told his team Monday that he was leaving the Arlington Heights school. Howland will become an assistant coach at Missouri State University, where he will be the Director of Basketball Operations. Missouri State plays in the Missouri Valley conference and was 20-13 last year with a bid to the College Insider Tournament.

Receiver Mahone no longer enrolled at Notre DameAssociated PressReceiver Will Mahone has no chance of returning to Notre Dame while facing felony charges of assault on a police officer, intimidation of a public servant and vandalism, his attorney said Tuesday.Attorney James Gentile said he hopes to get the felony charges against Mahone reduced to misdemeanors before a July 23 preliminary hearing.

Wright returning to St. Charles for QB-receiver campBy Dave OberhelmanA partner in Wisconsin-based Trickey-Wright QB-Receiver Camps, which conduct camps in 25 different states, former St. Charles High School, University of Wisconsin and Green Bay Packers quarterback Randy Wright will direct a two-day developmental football camp July 19-20 at St. Charles North.

For Niebrugge, Stricker more than a mentorBy Len ZiehmThere’s an interesting combination in the field for this week’s John Deere Classic, the only PGA Tour event played in Illinois in 2014. Steve Stricker, who considers himself semiretired at age 47 because he plays only a limited tournament schedule, has long been a JDC mainstay. u.s. Amateur Public Links champ Jordan Niebrugge, meanwhile, will be one of the youngest players in the 156-man starting field. They both hail from Wisconsin.

When will King James speak and end crazy rumors?By Michael Lee, The Washington PostWhenever LeBron James decides to stay in Miami with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, have a prodigal son-like homecoming in Cleveland, take the mantle from Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles or form a new powerhouse with Bosh or Carmelo Anthony in Phoenix or Houston, the real loser will be the lunacy.

Business

Stocks fall for a second day; Nasdaq slumpsAssociated PressInvestors unloaded all manner of stocks Tuesday as they wait for corporate earnings reports to help them determine whether a recent run-up in the market is justified. Internet companies bore the brunt of the selling. It was the second day of broad declines following record closes for major U.S. indexes last week.

AbbVie raises its bid for Shire by about 11 pctAssociated PressU.S. drugmaker AbbVie has boosted its offer for Shire by 11 percent to about $51.3 billion, hoping it will be enough to pique the interest of its British counterpart. Shire, known for its rare-disease drugs, has rejected three AbbVie offers to date.

5 places that might ease marijuana laws in the near futureAssociated PressAdvocates seeking more lenient marijuana laws have no intention of stopping with Colorado and Washington. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have allowed marijuana for medicinal purposes, and more could follow. Here’s a look at five places that may be welcoming more permissive marijuana laws in the near future.

Schaumburg mayor honored for support of small businessBy Eric PetersonSchaumburg Mayor Al Larson received the 2014 Partner America Small Business Advocate Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Tuesday. The award honors Larson's work to help small businesses in Schaumburg, including the village's micro-enterprise loan program.

U.S. companies post most jobs in 7 years in MayAssociated PressU.S. employers advertised more jobs in May than in any month in the past seven years, a sign that this year’s strong hiring trend is likely to continue. More Americans also quit their jobs, a good sign because it usually occurs when workers find new and higher-paying jobs. It also opens up more positions for those out of work.

First Midwest acquires Great Lakes BankMarketwiredFirst Midwest Bancorp, the parent company of First Midwest Bank, said it would acquire Great Lakes Financial Resources, the holding company for Great Lakes Bank, in a stock and cash transaction valued at around $58 million.

MIT finger device reads to the blind in real timeAssociated PressScientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing an audio reading device to be worn on the index finger of people whose vision is impaired, giving them affordable and immediate access to printed words. The so-called FingerReader, a prototype produced by a 3-D printer, fits like a ring on the user’s finger, equipped with a small camera that scans text. A synthesized voice reads words aloud, quickly translating books, restaurant menus and other needed materials for daily living, especially away from home or office.

Pope to replace vatican bank managers as profit drops 97%Bloomberg NewsPope Francis plans to replace the board and executives at the Vatican Bank after a year of reorganization at the scandal-plagued institution in which more than 2,000 accounts were blocked and profit dropped 97 percent.“With the support of the Holy Father and the Council of Cardinals, we are creating simpler, more efficient structures for those serving the mission of the Catholic Church,” Cardinal-Prefect George Pell said today in an e-mailed statement.

4 in 10 US homes are cellphone only, skip landlineAssociated PressMore American households are ditching their old telephones: 4 out of 10 only use cellphones, a government survey shows.That’s twice the rate from just five years ago, although the pace of dumping landlines seems to have slowed down in recent years.

Life & Entertainment

Capital gains questions for sale of rental homeBy Edith LankQ. I have written to you before, so now for the rest of the story. I finally sold my rental home to my longtime tenant of 18 years in April. How can I limit my capital gains tax? How is it figured? If I have to pay, what is the percentage?

Sia, writer for Rihanna, Beyonce, shinesBy Mesfin Fekadu, Associated PressSince Sia’s last album, 2010’s top-notch “We Are Born,” the performer has written songs for Beyoncé, Rihanna and Katy Perry and achieved her first solo U.S. success with the Top 20 hit “Chandelier.” America’s finally caught on to the ultra-talented Sia, and the Australian singer-songwriter stretches her boundaries even further on her sixth release, “1000 Forms of Fear.”

Wine bar Say Beignet brings a taste of the Big Easy to Bolingbrook By Samantha NelsonInspired by a trip to South, Edwin Rios decided to bring the Gulf Coast pastry beignets to the Midwest. The veteran restaurateur, who previously ran Chicago's Rumba, opened Say Beignet Coffee & Wine Bar at the Bolingbrook Promenade in May and already has dreams of expanding the concept throughout the suburbs. A coffee counter serves drinks and grab-and-go food, while the bar area has two TVs tuned to sports and plenty of outlets so you can plug in your laptop and get some work done while relaxing with a glass of wine.

Idina Menzel to sing nat’l anthem at MLB All-StarAssociated PressIdina Menzel is bringing Broadway to baseball. The Tony-winning performer will sing the national anthem at the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15, in Minneapolis. Menzel will also perform during the pregame ceremony, including a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young.”

Harry Potter is back in new J.K. Rowling storyBy Jill Lawless, Associated PressHarry Potter is back — mysterious, married and going gray. J.K. Rowling has given fans a glimpse of the grown-up boy wizard in a new story posted Tuesday on her Pottermore website. It’s the first update since “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” was published in 2007, but Rowling spokesman Mark Hutchinson said there are “no plans” for a new Potter novel. The 1,500-word story describes Harry, about to turn 34, attending the final of the Quidditch World Cup with his family and old friends Ron and Hermione.

White Castle honors Alice CooperAssociated PressShock rocker Alice Cooper loves White Castle sliders. Cooper is such a fan of the little square hamburgers that he showed up at the company headquarters in Columbus on Monday to be inducted into the restaurant’s Craver Hall of Fame.

Like a juror: Madonna does NYC jury duty, brieflyBy Jennifer Peltz, Associated PressMadonna has spent a little time living in the judicial world. The pop superstar turned up for jury duty Monday at a Manhattan state courthouse, quickly getting dismissed. She had gotten excused from a jury service date in May. This time, she was finished within two hours and wasn’t questioned for any case, spending the wait in a clerk’s office instead of in the sprawling juror waiting room.

Lean and lovin’ it: Swiss chard’s nutrition hard to beatBy Don MauerSwiss chard is one of the 10 best foods we aren’t eating, according to Men's Health magazine. And Don Mauer was in that group until bunches of chard showed up in his CSA box the other week. Turns out few vegetables deliver the carotenoid wallop that one cup of fresh, uncooked Swiss chard does. That's a good thing, and so is the fettuccine and chard recipe he shares.

Night life events: Aurora’s Chef Amaury hosts Goose Island for beer dinnerBy Sara HookerGoose Island beers meet the fine dining of Chef Amaury in Aurora starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. Featured beers include Sofie 2014, Lolita 2013, Matilda 2014, Pepe Nero 2012 and Pere Jacque 2013 with a 5-course meal. Cool off with Bandito Barney’s new drink specials at the East Dundee bar. Stop in any day for $7 Bacardi punch, $4 Bacardi “O” bombs and six for $22 Corona buckets.

Civil War camp food? Beer camp? Must be summerBy Deborah PankeyGrab your mess kit and canteen and head off to camp with Food Editor Deobrah Pankey. First stop is Civil War Days in Wauconda this weekend where you can judge camp cuisine created by re-enactors. Then head into Chicago for Sierra Nevada's Beer Camp Across America on Sunday, July 27.

Cook of the Week: International cuisine on her radarBy Sally EyreWith a major in food and nutrition in college and a passion for cooking, Jennifer Noone began her career as a caterer. She soon learned one very important lesson: “Everyone’s playtime was my work time,” she laughs. So Noone, of Deerfield, decided to go into sales and has been a real estate agent in the Northwest suburbs and Chicago for years. Despite the career change, Noone has not lost her cooking flame.

Gumbo Ya YaJennifer Noone likes to create dishes with whatever protein is available for the week. Here's her recipe for Gumbo Ya Ya.

Pastitsio
Jennifer Noone likes to cook globally, such as with this recipe for Pastitsio.

‘Valiant Hearts’ a grim WWI tributeBy Lou Kesten, Associated PressThe 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I has been relatively subdued. Oddly enough, the most stirring tribute I’ve seen has come in the form of a video game. “Valiant Hearts: The Great War” is a bracing antidote to the gung-ho violence of popular combat games like “Call of Duty.” There’s little joy to be found in its depiction of the destruction that overwhelmed Europe from 1914 to 1919. Instead, it follows the struggles of four ordinary people to simply survive.

Not falling down: London bridges inspire new showBy Jill Lawless, Associated PressLondon is a city of bridges, but it’s not a City of Bridges. A new exhibition wants visitors to look again, peering on, under and even inside the structures spanning the River Thames. Without bridges, the show argues, London as we know it would not exist. “Bridges can often make a city what it is,” said Lucinda Grange, an adventure photographer who sneaked inside London Bridge and took images that appear in the exhibition of artworks at Museum of London Docklands.

5 free things for visitors to do in DetroitBy Jeff KaroubDetroit certainly has its financial woes as the largest U.S. city to undergo bankruptcy. But that doesn’t mean visitors have to break their own banks to experience some impressive attractions. Here are five things tourists and natives alike can take in for free.

New Neil Armstrong book glides, not soarsBy Rob Merrill, Associated PressThere’s not a negative word about America’s space hero in Jay Barbree’s new book, "Neil Armstrong: A Life of Flight." Barbree — the NBC News space correspondent who has covered every manned U.S. mission — was friends with Armstrong for decades. The book draws on their conversations as well as hundreds of other interviews and NASA transcripts to recount Armstrong’s entire “life of flight,” from combat missions in North Korea to those historic lunar steps and beyond. So it’s a little disappointing that it’s not more of a page-turner.

Discuss

An offer they can’t refuseBy Richard CohenColumnist Richard Cohen: FADE IN: Michael Corleone’s den. He is at his desk. Facing him are members of his organization. Michael rises and dims the lights. He starts a PowerPoint display showing the various Mafia families. The chieftains and button men are puzzled but they say nothing. Michael turns the lights back on. It is clear he is about to say something important.Michael: “We’re gonna incorporate.”

Thank you to traveler who gave up first-class seatA Buffalo Grove letter to the editor: Recently, my father took his first airline flight since 2001 to visit his siblings. Dad is 87, and an online wiz! He printed his e-tickets, confirmed his limo, checked with TSA about being an elderly traveler. When he got to O’Hare, his driver made sure there was a wheelchair for him. At security, TSA didn’t confiscate his meds or the kiszka I packed.

Looking at the sunny sideA Schaumburg letter to the editor: Summer heat getting to you? Just think: It beats ice and snow30 below!

Obama relies on agitation for changeA Barrington letter to the editor: After last month’s outrageous prisoner swap, there’s no doubt the president is playing for the other team. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced the prisoner exchange to a gathering of troops and was greeted with shocked silence. They already knew the Bowe Bergdahl story, and later they watched America’s sworn enemies celebrate their victory over America on YouTube. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said the president’s actions “violated the law,” and Republican Sen. John McCain called the Taliban prisoners released “the hardest of the hard core.”

In rare agreement with Hillary ClintonAn Elgin letter to the editor: Just read Ruben Navarette’s article in the Daily Herald. All you bleeding heart liberals are turning me from a conservative to a libertarian. Ruben thinks Hillary Clinton is a bad person for saying we should send all these children and teenagers that are crossing our borders illegally back to where they came from.

Stop expansion for expansion’s sakeA Hinsdale letter to the editor: Recently, the College of DuPage board voted on a $50 million building for new classrooms. I was the only board member that opposed that investment. I felt the project warranted further analysis and definition of scope in terms of funding.

Daily Herald owes Walker an apologyA Geneva letter to the editor: Daily Herald supports violating U.S. constitution. The above could be easily the headline reporting on your headline in above AP article regarding Scott Walker on June 20.